Mobile telephony and society
Management approach
Just under 6.2 million people use a mobile connection from Swisscom. Today, our customers transmit over 200 times more data than in 2010. This is only possible with continuous modernisation and expansion (see ‘Network and infrastructure’). Some sections of the population are voicing health concerns about the electromagnetic fields which carry the mobile communications. The signals emitted from mobile phone antennas have been the subject of scientific research for over 30 years. No negative effects on organisms have been detected below the internationally applicable limits. Most scientists therefore consider such concerns unfounded. However, there are still open questions, and we are supporting the research that seeks to answer them.
We always take the concerns of the population seriously. We employ specialists from the fields of research, technology and communications to help us act as a competent, trustworthy and reliable player. Our team of experts has direct access to senior management and reports to a committee of the Group Executive Board on a bi-monthly basis.
The aim of our efforts is to increase acceptance of the mobile communications infrastructure. To this end, we consider it essential to impart knowledge, clarify misunderstandings and counteract untruths. This is done in personal correspondence, by telephone and often in direct conversation with people and stakeholder groups but also in the form of holistically coordinated corporate communication. We also attach great importance to promoting high-quality research in order to clarify outstanding issues relating to mobile communications, society and the environment. In particular, we support the Swiss Research Foundation for Electricity and Mobile Communication (FSM) based at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich).
See www.swisscom.ch/radiationElectromagnetic fields
As a provider, we want to operate mobile communications responsibly for people and the environment. When operating the mobile communications installations, we strive to comply with the national environmental requirements and the cantonal and communal building laws at all times and in every respect.
The Group Communications, Corporate Legal Services, Technical and Scientific Governance, and ONIR Governance (Governance of the Ordinance on Non-Ionising Radiation) areas are responsible for the issue of mobile communications and the environment. In addition, an interdisciplinary team coordinates measures with competitors and the industry association.
Responsibility towards society
Our history is closely tied to Switzerland and the people of this country. Our commitment therefore goes back a long way. We share our expertise at a regional, national and European level and, on our own or in partnership with others, we support activities that contribute to social cohesion, the digitisation of society and the common good. There are three areas in which we focus our activities: the fostering of technical, cultural and political relationships, projects carried out as part of our Corporate Responsibility, and support for national and regional events, mainly in culture and sport.
Cultural sponsorship
Since 2022, Swisscom has also been a partner of many of the country’s most popular music festivals.

Memberships and partnerships
We work with various partners at national and international level on a project-specific basis in order to further develop our strategic priorities. In choosing our partnerships and memberships, we attempt to ensure that the relevant institutions ideally complement our company in terms of their professional competence and thus make an important contribution to the achievement of our strategy. They must also share our values and have an excellent reputation and a high level of credibility in their area of activity.
See www.swisscom.ch/cr-partnershipsOur sponsoring activities are spread across all regions of Switzerland and aimed at a wide range of stakeholder groups. Since 2022, Swisscom has also been a partner of many of the country’s most popular music festivals.
See www.swisscom.ch/sponsoringActor in public debates
In the representation of our interests, we follow a solution-oriented approach, both for the common good and in the interests of our company. We are committed to maintaining transparent and trusting relationships with politicians, public authorities and the community. We participate in public hearings and events and play our part in the political process. In line with our own anti-corruption directive and based on the relevant ethical codes (the Code of Lisbon and the Code of Professional Conduct of the Swiss Society of Public Affairs, SSPA), we reject unlawful or ethically questionable practices aimed at exerting influence on opinion leaders and decision-makers. Moreover, we are a non-denominational and politically neutral organisation and we do not support any parties financially. An internal ethics board assesses planned projects and services for compatibility with ethical principles (see ‘Corporate ethics’).
We maintain contact with the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association (ETNO), national politicians, authorities and associations in all regions of Switzerland. First and foremost, we provide information on infrastructure and security issues, on the necessary framework conditions in line with our corporate strategy and on our engagements.
As a responsible corporate citizen, we contribute both with planned projects and services as well as professionally, to public discussions in particular on the topics of education policy, digitisation, mobile communications and broadband expansion and basic service provision.
Consultations
During the year under review, as in previous financial years, we submitted statements as part of numerous consultations at federal level. In the context of the current political deliberations, the implementation of the motions with the same wording Caroni (Mo 20.3531) and Rieder (Mo 20.3532) ‘Fair competition vis-à-vis state-owned enterprises’ and the postulate ‘Federal high-bandwidth strategy’ are of increased importance to us. We also had our views heard in the context of the changes to basic service provision, the proposed partial revision of the Cartel Act (CartA) and on the eID (Federal Act on Electronic Proof of Identity and other Electronic Proofs, e-ID Act).
Open regulatory issues
The following additional business relating to Swisscom is currently being discussed in Parliament:
- The expansion of the 5G mobile communications infrastructure is resulting in many parliamentary initiatives. Thus, the postulate of the Transport and Telecommunications Committees of the Council of States (21.3596), which calls for the examination and clarification of future use in the millimetre wave range, was accepted and the federal government was instructed to prepare a report. In Swiss parliament, an important motion on the subject of mobile communications was pending, both for us and for the entire telecommunications industry: the motion of the FDP parliamentary group ‘Rapid 5G expansion’ (motion 20.3237). The report on the postulate of Häberli Koller (postulate 19.4043) ‘Sustainable mobile network’ was published and the corresponding commission was informed.
- A new proposal was submitted by the Social Democratic Party to protect Switzerland’s critical infrastructure in the ICT sector from possible interference by other states (motion 22.3414.). This should be seen in the context of the trade dispute between the USA and China. Swiss telecoms service providers use various network equipment suppliers, including Huawei.
- Beyond parliament, the topic of mobile communication expansion is likely to remain topical in the broader public political debate. However, the ‘saferphone’ initiative which was announced did not materialise. Its intention was to ensure network coverage indoors exclusively via the fixed network and not via the mobile network.
- In the area of protection of minors and media protection, consultations on the revision of the Federal Act on the Protection of Minors in the Area of Film and Video Games (JSFVG) were concluded in the year under review. We are also involved here via the industry association asut and make our voice heard in the political debate. Signatures are currently being collected for a referendum.
- In general, it must be noted that time and time again, requests are also submitted concerning the business activities of federally affiliated companies. This is also the case with the motion (20.4328) ‘Strengthening the public service’, which calls for a law on the political control and supervision of companies with a basic service provision mandate. There have been repeated calls for legislative action to curb (possible) distortions of competition by state-owned enterprises, and for the political management and supervision of service public enterprises. These requirements risk restricting Swisscom’s economic framework.
- In the aftermath of certain disruptions and breakdowns – particularly with emergency numbers – adopted motion 21.3000 called for the introduction of technical system leadership in the area of emergency calls. Furthermore, six motions with the same wording, calling for the digitisation and further development of emergency calls in Switzerland, were adopted by parliament. The implementation details of these issues are not yet known and are being worked on by the responsible Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and other bodies. It is also not yet known when the message for this will be adopted.
- Among the general public and in political inquiries and initiatives, the security of ICT equipment has gained in relevance due to the trade dispute between the USA and China. We pursue a multi-vendor strategy and work with several partners. Swiss politicians are currently refraining from interfering in the commercial freedom of ICT companies. We are closely following the relevant developments in Switzerland and the EU. The digital sovereignty issue is gaining weight in the political debate, not least because of the repeated disruptions to the networks.
Data protection
Swisscom attaches great importance to the legally compliant and responsible processing of personal data and confidential information. Swisscom operates a management system for data protection and confidentiality that applies internationally recognised standards and norms. In addition, Swisscom maintains a framework for data ethics that allows the clarification of ethical issues in connection with the processing of data or the use of new technologies.
The new Data Protection Act (DPA) will come into force on 1 September 2023. Swisscom will review existing measures for the protection of personal data for compliance with the new requirements and will make any necessary adjustments.
Swisscom also processes personal data in order to be able to provide customers with advertising or services that are individualised, targeted and better tailored to their needs. Swisscom creates customer segments or customer profiles to that end. Customers’ personal data is also made available to advertising marketing companies in aggregated form for the purpose of target group-based advertising. Customers may object to the receipt of advertising and the processing of their personal data for marketing and advertising purposes. Swisscom has implemented technical and organisational measures in order to comply with applicable legal provisions.
In the year under review, Swisscom did not conduct any legal or administrative proceedings in the area of customer data protection or confidentiality. Swisscom complies with its legal obligations with regard to the surveillance of postal and telecommunications traffic.
See www.swisscom.ch/data-protectionData security
Another area of focus alongside data protection is data security. Equipped with a modern and secure infrastructure and supported by security specialists with a high level of expertise, Swisscom strives to provide the best possible protection for employees, customers, partners and itself as a company.
The security policy is based on the three pillars of prevention, detection and response. At a time when cyber threats are on the rise, automation technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are used to detect risks and attacks and initiate appropriate countermeasures. The Swisscom Security Operation Center monitors the entire IT infrastructure around the clock. In addition to technical security solutions, Swisscom is also committed to establishing a security culture within the company. Targeted awareness measures are used to raise awareness among employees about the conscious and secure handling of data.
Swisscom offers various security solutions for residential and business customers. These range from call filters and virus protection to security assessments, managed security and immediate assistance in the event of a hacker attack. Security is thus an integral part of our values and culture.
See www.swisscom.ch/datasecurity